EDUCATION

The LEARNS Act provides for reading coaches statewide, offers high schoolers a career ready diploma, creates the Education Freedom Account offering universal choice in 3 years, and raises the minimum teacher pay from $36,000 to $50,000.

JUDICIARY

Act 61 creates the Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act.  This bill addresses a critical need for judicial intervention and support for effective treatment programs to reduce the number of family separations due to substance use disorders and mental health disorders. 

A comprehensive criminal justice bill is expected to be introduced.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Act 59 creates the Rural Emergency Hospital Act. This bill would provide a way for rural hospitals in the state to qualify for a new federal designation and be reimbursed at a higher rate for outpatient services.

ELECTIONS

HB1419 amends the procedure for the filing of a ballot initiative and referendum petition by requiring that signatures are gathered from at least 50 counties. Currently, signatures are required from 15 counties.

TAXES

Act 96 prohibits local governments from enacting an income tax.

There are more than 40 various tax cut proposals before the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.